It might be an exaggeration but, never have I ever dreamt of stepping onto the Land of the Rising Sun anytime soon.

Financial instability is for one. Tedious visa application process for another. Don’t even get me started with all the daunting stories of denied applicants.

But, as luck would have it, I was still granted a single-entry visa. A year’s worth of preparation didn’t go into waste.

It’s not because I’m an anime fan (because I ain’t one). As much as everyone else, Japan (日本) is a legitimate dream destination for all the sights and wonders it offers.

After all, experiencing the rich nation from the Far East has been dumped in my travel bucket for more than two decades — all before this trip became a reality.

While it seems coincidental, the OPPO Reno15 Pro 5G was suddenly lent to me just a day before our departure. This made the perfect opportunity to showcase both Osaka (大阪) and the phone’s prowess with its cameras.

The Kitchen of Japan

Let’s start with what the city is best known for.

Osaka isn’t called “the kitchen of Japan” or the nation’s “food capital” without any meaningful reason.

Other than its culinary delights alongside that rich cuisine presence and history, the city is also popular for the kuidaore (食い倒れ) expression, or eating ’til it fills your heart and stomach’s desires and empties your pockets all at once.

Although I haven’t tried each and every Osaka delicacy available, I still enjoyed all the great delectables during the course of the trip.

From the Okonomiyaki and sushi from a konbini, all the way to that Karaage and Naporitan combo near Tsutenkaku area. They all taste shockingly delicious for such value.

Of course, not everything is specific to Osaka, such as the much-raved ramen by Ichiran or the tender meat cuts in Yakiniku Like.

On slow days where I felt not spending a lot, all I ever craved for were these Japanized fast food delights — such as this combo meal from KFC or the simple ol’ Chinese lunch at Universal Studios Japan.

Lastly, it would be a huge miss not to try out the Osaka-blend Iced Americano by the home-grown brand MUJI as well as those big yet affordable pastries found inside R Baker — with a popular branch found beside the Osaka Castle Park.

Marked by the landmarks

Now that we’re at it, I must say it is mandatory to see Osaka Castle (大阪城) by the time you visit the city. It’s a key landmark for Japan’s unification during the 16th century.

 

Although it has been destroyed several times since 1583, the excellence and perseverance of the Japanese actually made a perfect reproduction of the majestic castle.

Admittedly, we didn’t go inside and up. Still, it’s a beautiful sight to see so you have a glance of Osaka’s history.

Another popular must-visit spot in Osaka? None other than the Glico Man billboard along the Dotonbori (道頓堀) area.

For everyone else, it’s just like any other regular digital billboard. However, something that’s only shown here makes it uniquely Osaka.

And now that we’re here, it’s the best area for hundreds of shops ever imaginable with items being sold at slashed prices — be it gadgets, watches, clothes, sneakers, bags, luggages, chocolates. Gashapons even!

If you want to see the Osaka Bay Area up and above, going on top of the Umeda Sky Building should be in your itinerary.

The best thing here is that, you can still buy souvenirs and see parts of the Osaka Bay coastline through its windows even if you don’t pay for the entrance going to the rooftop — just like how we did.

As mentioned, here’s the Osaka Bay from the ground — captured in a place found at the latter part.

We (kinda) got lost in translation

This write-up seems too smooth to be true. But, I have to be realistic and break it in the middle. Traveling, especially in a foreign country, isn’t always an easy-breezy ride.

Unlike most of my international trips where I go and enjoy being solo, I went here with my long-time high school buddies.

Back in our Taipei and Hong Kong trips, I was the tour guide of the gang. This time, Osaka was a first for all of us.

The moment we landed at KIX / Kansai International Airport (or the world’s first airport built above a man-made island), there were already struggles — even if we did our research months prior this trip.

ICYMI, Osaka has two separate train systems managed by two different companies.

Underground relies on Osaka Metro. Ground and above is where JR-West prevails.

The former is more welcoming for foreigners as it accepts our foreign credit/debit cards. The latter only accepts Japan’s smart cards: namely ICOCA and Suica.

To get things more complicated, buying an ICOCA card for the first time or reloading it is only limited to cash and coins payment. That’s a huge bummer for a tech-driven nation.

While the smart card dispenser wasn’t hard to find once you go out of the airport, looking for a tourist-friendly ATM machine was.

It took us some back and forth moment to realize that it was back inside the airport all along. Third floor to be very specific, not the ground floor.

Problems don’t end once you figure out how to enter the train station. Japan has a lot of trains. Emphasis on A LOT.

Now, if you’re like my three friends who usually grasp for the right directions when roaming around with Google Maps, station exit points in Osaka can easily get you lost in translation — literally and figuratively.

It’s just a good thing that two of us are map-proficient.

During those times when I wanted to explore parts of the city all by myself, another one could lead the circle without me sorting out how to meet them afterwards.

Exciting and exhilarating

Now back to regular programming.

For a die-hard theme park fan like yours truly, it’s mandatory to see what Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has to offer.

Ain’t even a Potterhead but, trying out that signature Butterbeer from Harry Potter shouldn’t be left out.

The cold 9ºC temperature never stopped me from ordering the iced version — and I prefer it over the hot ones that my friends ordered.

For all the Potterheads out there, it’s truly a remarkable sight to see the Hogwarts Castle. It was also a great example to justify the zoom power of the OPPO Reno15 Pro.

Whether you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or a sandwiched MZ like me, these characters don’t need any introduction.

Even if I’m born between the two generations, I’m still glad I grew up watching Despicable Me.

I’ve gushed over these cute Minions during my adolescence — even if’s more relevant to Gen Alphas now.

Gen MZ yappin’ thru

As I already told a glimpse of my childhood (and puberty), I also wanted to come clean against the stereotypical millennials who made ’90s their whole personality.

Despite being part of the Gen Z, I grew up knowing diskettes, Walkmans, VHS tapes, and not-so-surprisingly, Nintendo’s Game Boy.

It so happened that my cousin had the first-gen console with Super Mario in it. It’s been an integral part of my childhood alongside the classic Sony PlayStation.

It might not show on my face but, witnessing the Super Nintendo World IRL was a huge achievement.

As fortunate as it was, I was able to visit without applying for a special pass. It even looked like I was in the actual video game when I entered the area even after the sun has already set.

Love at First Night

Osaka during the winter day was already a breath of fresh air. How much more during the night?

Nostalgia aside, the theme park doesn’t only revolve in the mentioned characters above as there’s so much more to see.

I want to end my USJ photo dump with Jurassic Park’s The Flying Dinosaur — a.k.a the best rollercoaster ride I’ve ridden so far.

That’s in comparison to Universal Studio Singapore’s Cylon, Everland Korea’s T Express, and Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON Lightcycle Power Run — in which I all fully enjoyed riding for more than thrice.

A segment of the ride can actually be seen the moment you enter (and exit) the theme park.

Now, to cap off this portion, there are two more highlights that truly show off Osaka’s night life.

Other than the Dotonbori area, Shinsekai (新世界) is gleaming. It was inspired by Paris and Coney Island to make Osaka a “New World” in 1912.

From the neon signs and vibrant night light displays, such retro vibe will make your visit truly warm and cozy. Even if it was freezing cold.

At the heart of the district is where the Tsutenkaku (通天閣) stands high. That now translates to a “tower reaching heaven.” Albeit, it’s nowhere near that achievement in today’s standards.

And while it can’t even go against the Tokyo Tower, it’s still a center piece of its own.

Now, if we’re talking about Osaka’s tallest, the Abeno Harukas 300 holds that title.

From the building name itself, it’s exactly 300 meters tall. It also holds the record for being Japan’s second tallest structure after Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower in Tokyo.

While you can go inside for free as there’s a mall below it, you can see Osaka’s breathtaking night sky only if you pay for the entrance fee. Honestly, the price is worth the sight.

Much awe in Osaka

Although Tokyo comes first when you think about Japan, Osaka has its own distinct charm. I’m not trying to compare and pit two cities against one another as both are worth visiting.

The same thing can be said with the OPPO Reno15 Pro in a sea of very-capable midrangers. While it’s just another camera-centric smartphone for most, its cameras have that irresistible, special sauce in it.

That said, I personally enjoyed my time more in Osaka. People are warmer and more welcoming. More so, that pretty chill vibes and laid-back nature kept me attached against the stricter plus fast-paced life in Tokyo.

My only regret is the shorter trip duration here. I’m wishfully thinking and manifesting that I can re-visit the city sooner than later.

If you haven’t seen the other side of my Japan journey — from Tokyo, Kyoto, all the way to Mt. Fuji — the rest can be found in my in-depth camera analysis of the OPPO Reno15 Pro.

READ MORE: OPPO Reno15 Pro: Camera Review

In a modern world dominated by flagships and midrangers, budget smartphones are often undervalued just because of the mere value they bring to the table.

But, let’s be real. Not everyone chases specs. There are users who simply need a phone they can afford without all the best-in-class bells and whistles often glorified but spec-obsessed nerds.

Well, the TECNO SPARK 50 5G might just be that handy-dandy everyday companion you need.

First Look

Right off the bat, the TECNO SPARK 50 5G will instantly remind you of Google’s recent Pixel phones. That camera bar is very reminiscent of the Pixel 9 and 10’s camera “visor.”

This isn’t a complaint. SPARK 50 5G’s camera island looks cleaner than that overly-used, left-justified square camera cutout popularized by Apple during the reign of their iPhone Pro series.

More so, it avoids joining the bandwagon of phones imitating the all-new “camera plateau” of the iPhone 17 Pro series.

Coincidental or not, it even reminds me of Apple’s pill-shaped Dynamic Island — or that interactive area around the punch-hole cutout that’s found among newer iPhones.

And now that we’re at it, let’s flip the SPARK 50 5G to its front.

The moment you power on the device, you’d be welcomed by its large 6.78-inch punch-hole display. However, bigger doesn’t always mean better.

Not-so-thin bezels and that awfully-thicc bottom chin aside, I’m more concerned about its display quality.

I’m not trying to be very nit-picky but, my clear eyes can easily distinguish that its 720p screen resolution is quite a stretch for a screen this big.

Ain’t even expecting a class-leading OLED display (this is an IPS LCD type, BTW). However, a 1080p Full HD would have been more plausible.

Don’t even get me started with that subpar max brightness, backlight bleeding, alongside poor viewing angles and legibility.

And, even if it features a 120Hz refresh rate that smoothens day-to-day scrolling and switching, it doesn’t totally override the fact that the display is not up to par.

Still, the choice of punch-hole is heaps better than other phone makers continuously making phones with teardrop notches — which is turning almost a decade next year.

I’m just glad TECNO halted (if not completely stopped) putting it among their recent budget offerings.

First Date

While I have strong feelings against its display, the overall feel of the SPARK 50 5G is of the opposite. Holding the phone for the first time barely looked and felt cheap at all.

Setting the bar high, TECNO’s SPARK 50 5G is made from aviation-grade aluminum — which some other plasticky budget phones can only dream of.

With that durability talk, it’s also worth noting it’s also IP64-rated as well as MIL-STD-810H certified.

Personally, I love the classy and luxe Champagne Gold colorway that I’ve dated.

There are bolder colors too such as Mint Green and Fantasy Purple. More so, the subdued Titanium Grey and Ink Black options.

After setting everything up, the phone greets you with TECNO’s latest HiOS 16 based on Android 16.

Despite its price point, TECNO didn’t leave out all the usable AI feats originally announced in the recent CAMON 50 series.

Not only it includes the usual AI Tools and Ella (or its smart AI Assistant), the newer AI FlashMemo as well as AI MindHub are ever-present as well. These intelligently discern content you consume or whatever you’re curious about.

I’m not a total h-AI-ter as I believe that AI, when used responsibly, gives much leverage to users. It balances an individual’s time so s/he can work and focus more on things that need to be prioritized.

Still, I blame AI for the sharp price rise of components among all consumer devices imaginable.

Now that I’ve mentioned it, TECNO’s SPARK 50 5G comes in either 128 or 256GB of storage and memory choices between 4/8/12/16GB (region-dependent).

At its core lies MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 SoC. For the market it tries to lure, this is a chipset capable of handling most tasks.

It’s a better option if you’re someone like me who relies on 5G connectivity most of the time. Its Helio G200 counterpart, while speedy and reliant, has 4G as its biggest drawback.

Gaming? Well, it’s obviously not built for that.

Still, it’s playable for the not-so-demanding-games: 60fps in PUBG while 90fps with the widely popular Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Even with just a chassis of 8.18mm, TECNO has managed to put in a 6500mAh single-cell battery (or a lesser 6150mAh dual-cell variant that I have with me).

Still, the TECNO SPARK 50 5G has outlasted me more — way past midnight after that full-day first date.

If you’re already in a pinch, the phone can be charged through its 45W fast-charging adapter bundled in its box. ICYMI, last year’s SPARK 40 5G relied on a painfully-slow 18W charging.

And, before I forget, I just missed the novelty of side-mounted fingerprint scanner. I still consider it better than the optical ones.

Lastly, despite that elongated camera bar at its rear, the SPARK 50 5G is only equipped with a lone 50MP camera.

Although AI FlashSnap exists, the camera app being somewhat sluggish evades the purpose of that camera feature per se.

While cameras have never been the strong point of the SPARK series, it should be enough for users who just want a functioning rear camera not just for document-scanning, but for life moments as well.

Its 8MP shooter can still capture selfies — or just be used for those unavoidable school and/or work video calls.

First Impressions

With a starting price (4+128GB base config) of INR 16,999 (approx. US$ 180 / EUR 160 / GBP 135 / SG$ 235 / MYR 735 / PhP 10,995), the TECNO SPARK 50 5G isn’t the most well-rounded budget smartphone around.

Still, this phone will satisfy the general, non-tech-savvy population. That sophisticated design, solid build quality, ginormous battery with reliable fast charging, smart AI-powered OS. Even 5G-capable chipset in this price range?

Did I even mention that it still rocks the almost obsolete microSD card slot and 3.5mm audio jack?

Obviously, I’m not the target user of this phone. Especially as a creative guy who values display and cameras a lot.

However, technophobes might get the hang of this phone when they take it out on a lovely, more intimate date more than twice. The phone is as straightforward as it can get. Sans, exploring the more complex AI tools within.

Still, this is a phone suitable for a wider range of user base consisting of kids, young students, the elderly, or even everyday workers who just need a reliable phone that they can bring around without sacrificing too much of their hard-earned savings — especially in an economy we live in right now.

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. They never lie.

You can always tell when someone is truly thriving because their eyes radiate a certain spark. A glimmer that suggests they are actually winning at life.

But a doctor I once dated (briefly, for research purposes, mostly) told me that eyes are also a sneak peek into your physical survival. A quick check-up can reveal underlying illnesses before they even knock on your door.

The problem is that hospitals and clinics feel intimidating. Most of us avoid check-ups because we’re terrified of what we might find. Ignorance feels like bliss until reality finally catches up.

When I heard Vision Express (VEX) was reimagining eye care through AI, my inner “orange cat” curiosity took over. I dressed up, booked a ride, and headed to Greenbelt 5 in Makati City to see if technology could make health feel less like a chore and more like… well, a treat.

Sanctuary for my senses

The VEX branch in Greenbelt 5 feels less like an eyewear store and more like a prestige lounge. Even with brands like Dior, Gucci, and Cartier shouting from the shelves, the atmosphere remained inviting.

It lacked that “peasant-profiling” energy you sometimes get in luxury boutiques. I just walked in and gasped at the aesthetic. I’d say I immediately felt at home.

While I waited for the Vision7 program, I detoured to the AI Styling Studio. If we’re being honest, shopping for frames is a high-pressure exercise in self-doubt.

You’re constantly asking, “Does this make my face look too round?” or “Is this too much?”

This AI tool acts like a personal shopper with an objective eye. It’s like ordering McDonald’s at a kiosk, but instead of a chicken sandwich, you get a face shape analysis.

The machine measured my jawline, temple, and the gaps between my eyes with the precision of a fitting for a modeling gig. It concluded I have a round face — or oval, if I tuck my bangs away.

The AI suggested square or rectangular frames. Since I’ve spent years badgering friends to tell me if my sunglasses look okay, having a non-judgmental computer give me the green light was a massive relief.

Seeing the bigger picture

Currently, you can access the full Vision7 program for free. I started by filling out my history on a tablet, feeling very much like an official patient (but a fashionable one).

Dr. Daniel, the optometrist, guided me through the process. As a self-proclaimed “professional yapper,” I quickly learned he was VEX’s top doctor for 2025. His expertise (and, let’s be real, his charm) made the technical bits go down smoothly.

We moved through Objective and Subjective Refraction using their state-of-the-art autorefractometer to check for current eye-grade errors. Thankfully, my vision is still perfect after I stopped wearing correction glasses in 2024.

The three-minute miracle

The real magic happened during the Binocular Vision assessment with VisionPlus. In just three minutes, the system used retinal imaging and machine learning to generate a clinical health report.

I’ll admit, I was nervous. Despite my “perfect” vision, family history is a ghost that haunts your medical charts.

I watched as the AI screened for systemic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, and even early signs of cognitive decline or cardiovascular risks.

Surprisingly, the results came and showed I am “Low Risk” across the board. The system even tagged me as “Very Low Risk” for things as serious as cardiac arrest, provided I maintain my current lifestyle.

The report, which landed instantly in my inbox, gave me tailored advice on diet and sports. It turned out my athletic lifestyle and love for good food weren’t just fun: they were working.

Redefining the retail visit

Unlike traditional checks that only care about your lens prescription, this experience felt like a preventive-health intervention hidden inside a shopping trip.

It proved that an eye exam can be a powerful window into your total health, made easy through clinical-grade AI.

In a world where AI can feel cold or intimidating, this is its most human use case: giving us the clarity to live our lives without fear.

I walked out with a clean bill of health, a clear mind, and yes, I might have lingered just a second longer at the Gucci frames on my way out. After all, I needed to celebrate my health in style.

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Try out VisionPlus at Vision Express’s branches at SM Cebu, SM City Cebu, Ayala Cebu, Ayala Glorietta 2, Ayala Greenbelt 5, Ayala One Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA – The Block, The Podium, and Ortigas Greenhills Mall.